Catholic Identity
All Souls Catholic School has a rich tradition of prayers and liturgy.
Many students are altar servers for the parish. The parish and school have a strong relationship and work together closely on liturgical preparation and celebration, especially First Communion and Confirmation.
The school community comes together each morning to pray before classes begin. Students pray in their homeroom classes daily, and the staff prays together at all meetings. Student council officers also open all meetings in prayer. All staff members are invited to participate in communal prayer on Monday mornings. Each day students pray before lunch and at the end of the day.
All Souls Catholic School Mission Statement challenges all to respond to Jesus' call to act out of justice, love and the humble service of God, recognizing that awareness precedes action. Whole school example are found in the promotion of:
- Project Compassion
- St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Appeal and Christmas hampers
- Catholic Mission
- Christmas Toy Drive
- Lenten Food Appeal
Student group examples are:
- Student Council, as a whole, and specifically the Commissioner of Religion Affairs
- Eighth grade prayer leaders for morning prayer and school assemblies
Student attendance at retreat days are compulsory:
- Annual Grade 8 Confirmation Retreat Day
Community Service is required:
- Grade 7 and 8 students have a required service component as part of their Confirmation program
- Grade 8 students serve lunches at the St. Vincent de Paul Community Kitchen
Staff participate in an annual retreat day concluding with a celebration of the Eucharist. All teaching staff attend the Archdiocese BASIC professional development program for religion certification and then continue with participation in re-certification sessions to maintain their religion certification.
Our local parish clergy are involved in school life and assist with the preparation of school and parish liturgies. They are always available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for our children who receive the sacrament during Lent and Advent. Staff anf students also give witness and service in their own parishes since many live outside All Souls Parish. 'Working in partnership' is at the basis for all partner initiatives at All Souls Catholic School. Parents are welcome to attend any liturgy or school event. Parents are always welcome at our Principal Awards Ceremonies throughout the year. We recognize parents as the primary educators of their children and as such this enhances our partnership with the parents.